BY ED MCDARIS
Sr. Vice Commander
VFW Post 8874
em93116@gmail.com

Since its beginning recognizing those who served in World War I to today, Nov. 11 has been a day set aside to honor military veterans. It is also a time to recognize those who are currently in the military, as well as their families.  

In 1919, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed November 11 as Armistice Day to commemorate the end of World War I. The end of the war happened at the 11th hour, of the 11th day, of the 11th month, so that’s why November 11 was chosen.  In 1954 Congress changed the name to Veteran’s Day.

For those who never served in the military it is impossible to understand the sacrifices that have been made for all Americans by those few brave ones; the time spent away from family or personal pursuits, the physical toll of training and fighting, the scars that remain when the battle is over. Every citizen owes a debt that can never be repaid, a debt to every veteran for their service and our freedom. And while we can never truly understand their sacrifice or repay their service, we can honor them, be thankful for them and remember them. 

In this time of the COVID pandemic and the isolations, shut downs, social distancing, masks, tests, and most important, the deaths.  It is easy to just say OK we will celebrate Veteran’s Day next year like we used to with dinners, speakers, fly overs, and time with our friends and families.  This year, especially this year we should remember those who have “written that check” to the United States of America and left the amount blank, to be cashed when needed by our great nation.  Please take a moment to remember those heroes both living and deceased who have sacrificed for the freedoms we so enjoy.  Also remember their families for without their support and sacrifices the veterans could never have served.

Lastly please consider that each and every day, COVID or no, an average of 22 veterans take their lives, leaving grieving families behind.  To those veterans and families who are going through a rough time I extend any support the Veterans of Foreign Wars can give.  Los Alamos Post 8874 has service officers, Senior Leadership, and members ready to assist you with any difficulty you may be experiencing.  Please reach out to us at em93116@gmail.com

To our men and women in uniform, past, present, and future, God bless you and thank you.